“Because she scared off Alison,” Vinn adds, amused.
Ray smirks. “Really? You don’t like Alison?”
“Vinn slept with her,” Sofia says bluntly. “And so why would I want a whore decorating my house?”
I snort, unable to help it.
“That explains why she left so quickly earlier,” Ray says.
“She was looking down her nose at Wynter,” Sofia adds.
Ray frowns slightly, turning to me. “Was she?”
“A little,” I admit.
“Why would she act like that?” he asks, genuinely confused.
“Because women like Alison think they’re better than anyone who didn’t grow up with money,” Sofia says. “You men never see it. It’s embarrassing.”
Ray exhales, rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand. “Sorry,” he says quietly. “I didn’t realise. I’ll do better.”
The contact sparks and I pull my hand away, resting it firmly in my lap. “No need,” I say lightly. “It’s your apartment. Get whoever you want to decorate it.”
“I want you comfortable,” he replies.
“It’s a bit much for a short stay,” I shrug. “I’m fine with how it is.”
His expression tightens.
“Short stay?” Sofia repeats, picking up on it instantly.
I smile faintly, taking another bite. “My being here is temporary,” I say. “Just until Ray decides I’m stable enough to carry his child.”
Everyone looks at me, waiting for the joke, for me to smile, and when I don’t laugh, the moment turns awkward.
Instead, Ray lets out a short laugh. “That’s not true,” he says, but there’s an edge to it now. “You are stable.”
“I thought you were back for good,” Sofia says carefully.
I shake my head.
“We haven’t finalised anything,” Ray cuts in quickly.
I swallow my food before adding, “I’ll find somewhere once I’m back on my feet. Somewhere quieter.”
His jaw ticks. “That could take some time,” he says, his tone tightening.
“I feel better already just being out of hospital,” I reply calmly. “It was an over-reaction in the first place.”
“The hospital didn’t agree,” he says through clenched teeth.
“Because Lucy exaggerated,” I shoot back. “She always does.”
“And the pills?” he snaps. “The breakdown? That was all exaggerated too?”
“Don’t do this here,” I mutter, dropping my cutlery down. It clatters.
“You’re the one who keeps bringing it up,” he fires back.
